A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
